The colorful costumes, wigs and high-energy songs are on full
display in the hit Broadway musical, “Hairspray.”

But beneath the surface, the popular show is more than just a
light, fluffy, fun musical that won nine Tony Awards. “Hairspray,”
which opens Friday at Theater Works’ in the YOUth Works season,
revolves around the social injustices of the 1960s.

Spunky teenager Tracy Turnblad is the heroine of the musical and
at first isn’t allowed to dance on the “Corny Collins Show” because
of her weight.

When she wins a role on the show, Tracy becomes a huge local
celebrity overnight. Then, she launches a campaign to integrate the
show with black dancers.

It causes some conflict with her friends and family, but Tracy
continues to stand up and do what’s right in her heart.

The musical version of “Hairspray” is adapted from the 1988 John
Waters film, which starred Divine, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono and a
then-unknown Ricki Lake. The movie had moderate success at the box
office but a huge cult following later.

In 2002, “Hairspray” was adapted for the stage and ran off
Broadway for seven years, winning multiple awards.